The low-intensity sweeteners market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2015 to 2020 to reach USD 1.55 Billion

The developments in industries such as bakery and beverages, and the growing demand for healthy and low-calorie food and beverages in the Asia-Pacific region drive the low-intensity sweeteners market. The high growth potential in emerging markets and untapped regions provides new growth opportunities for market players.

Xylitol accounted for the largest market share in 2014

Among the types of low-intensity sweeteners such as xylitol, tagatose, allulose, trehalose, and isomaltuolose, xylitol accounted for the largest market share in 2014, followed by trehalose and isomaltulose. Xylitol is produced traditionally by both bark of birch wood and corn cobs. The use of corn cobs has increased xyltol production in recent years. Unique functional properties like easy digestion, low glycemic index, lower calories, and relative sweetness as sucrose have exlpored growth potential for xylitol.

Beverages forms the major application share

Low intensity sweeteners including xylitol, tagatose, allulose, trehalose, and isomaltuolose are largely used in beverages followed by table-top sweeteners and pharmaceuticals. These sweeteners produce a desired level of sweetness even in smaller quantities close to that of sugar offering better taste and meeting consumer needs for a sweetener. These products are also known to enhance the shelf life of products of beverages when used.

Asia-Pacific region dominates the low-intensity sweeteners market

The Asia-Pacific region dominated the market in 2014, followed by North America. The market in the Asia-Pacific region is projected to grow significantly in terms of both production and consumption. China was one of the major markets for low-intensity sweeteners and accounted for a major share in the Asia-Pacific low-intensity sweeteners market, in 2014.